ITANAGAR : A two-year-long leadership dispute within the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has been resolved amicably following a successful mediation process, paving the way for a united organisation under the leadership of Asok Doka as president.
The breakthrough was achieved through sustained mediation efforts led by Chopa Cheda as the chief mediator, with Khya Acha serving as co-mediator. Their intervention brought rival leaders Asok Doka and Lezen Gyadi to the negotiating table and helped secure a mutually acceptable settlement, people associated with the reconciliation process said.
According to the mediators, the agreement formally ended nearly two years of internal divisions that had affected the functioning of one of the most influential student organisations of the Nyishi community, with both Gyadi and Doka claiming to be the president of ANSU, leading to a prolonged leadership dispute.
Addressing reporters, Cheda firmly dismissed assertions that the reconciliation was driven by financial inducements or political assurances, asserting that the initiative was undertaken solely to preserve the union’s credibility, legacy and institutional integrity.
“There were no monetary transactions or promises of schemes as many might claim as ANSU is not a government body. If required, we are ready to face any scrutiny under local laws to prove the same. This is not about any deal, it is about protecting the legitimacy and history of the union,” he said.
Taking a swipe at critics, Cheda, who is also the president of Arunachal Publishers and Broadcasters Guild (APBG), alleged that some individuals had taken pleasure in witnessing the prolonged standoff between the two factions rather than making efforts to resolve it.
Describing ANSU as one of the most significant organisations of the Nyishi community, he said the union had produced several legislators, entrepreneurs, businessmen and community leaders over the years, making its unity crucial for the larger interests of the community.
Cheda also urged the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), the apex community body, to play a more proactive, impartial and constructive role in resolving such disputes in future instead of remaining passive or being perceived as biased.
Co-mediator Khya Acha said that under the terms of the settlement, Asok Doka would lead the ANSU, while Lezen Gyadi had agreed to put all differences behind him in the larger interest of the organisation.
“Lezen has morally agreed not to carry the issue forward and has accepted that Doka will lead ANSU under one banner so that there will be no more factions. This decision has been taken in the greater interest of the organisation and the Nyishi community,” Acha said.
He expressed confidence that the reunification would enable the student body to shift its focus from internal disputes to issues concerning students, youth and the welfare of the Nyishi community.
Acha also appealed to all office-bearers and executive members of the union to maintain harmony, strengthen mutual trust and work collectively to uphold the ideals, unity and objectives of ANSU.
